The Pistons delivered a statement victory on Wednesday, defeating the Celtics — who entered with a six-game winning streak — by 20 points. Detroit has won eight straight, its longest streak since the 2007/08 season. “We knew this was going to be a tough challenge for us, but we’re just focused on the process of it all,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff said, per Keith Langlois of … [Read more...] about Central Notes: Pistons, Beasley, Haliburton, Giannis, Jackson
Rockets’ VanVleet Set To Return, Smith Moving To Bench
Barring a last-minute setback, Rockets point guard Fred VanVleet will return to action on Saturday against Sacramento, according to Danielle Lerner of The Houston Chronicle (subscription required). VanVleet has missed Houston’s past 11 games due to what the team has referred to as a right ankle strain. The Rockets, who were 32-15 entering the month of February, lost the game in … [Read more...] about Rockets’ VanVleet Set To Return, Smith Moving To Bench
Southwest Notes: Thompson, Whitmore, Pelicans Lineup, Brown
With Fred VanVleet out for the past 11 games, Amen Thompson‘s ball-handling role has been amplified, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle observes. “For sure, I feel like my play-making’s taken a step up, and they’ve put me in positions where they trust me to do that,” Thompson said. “I feel like it’s just more experience being at the one and knowing where my guys are gonna … [Read more...] about Southwest Notes: Thompson, Whitmore, Pelicans Lineup, Brown
Southwest Notes: Wells, Boston, Pelicans, VanVleet
Grizzlies wing Jaylen Wells has been one of the pleasant surprises of last year’s rookie class. As Spencer Davies of RG.org writes, the 21-year-old has been not just a rotation mainstay but a starter for the West’s No. 2 seed, averaging 11.4 points and 3.2 rebounds on .451/.382/.824 shooting in 25.8 minutes per game while taking on challenging defensive assignments. He also … [Read more...] about Southwest Notes: Wells, Boston, Pelicans, VanVleet
Southwest Notes: Powell, Christie, Smith Jr., Bagley
The Mavericks won’t have Anthony Davis when they face the Lakers for the first time since the teams’ blockbuster deal that landed Luka Doncic in Los Angeles. They could get another big man back for the showdown. Dwight Powell, who has missed the last 16 games due to a hip injury, has been upgraded as questionable, Marc Stein tweets. It’s expected that Powell will be active, … [Read more...] about Southwest Notes: Powell, Christie, Smith Jr., Bagley